A year ago, St, Francis was 3-7 when swingman Kayode Ayeni went down with a torn ACL. The injury to Ayeni, who was averaging 13 points and 8 rebounds, nearly torpedoed the Terrier’s season.

A year later, on things would appear to be similar on the surface. The Terriers are 3-6, and they were outclassed by Syracuse in a 71-51 loss on December 13.

However, Ayeni is back, and that makes all the difference in the world.

After missing the first four games of the season, Ayeni, now a senior, is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds for St. Francis, sits at 1-1 in Northeast Conference play. Ayeni has shown flashes of dominance, such as a 23 point, 14 rebound masterpiece in a 63-60 win over Hartford on December 8, and a 22 point, 5 rebound game in a 66-65 win over Colgate on November 28.

The common theme in St. Francis’ three wins? Ayeni averages double digits. In the Terriers’ three wins, Ayeni is averaging 18.3 points and 7 rebounds, compared to 6.3 points and 5 boards in three losses.

With three quarters of the season left, there is still plenty of basketball to be played, but if you start hearing people talk about St. Francis, it will probably be because of Kayode Ayeni.